At this time of the year it is important to recognize who the real Samaritans are. They are the members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are doing good around the world. As Tom Bevan writes in RealClearPolitics,

But as we sit back and reflect on a year filled with such turmoil and human tragedy, it should be obvious who the true Samaritans are: the members of the United States military.

Let us be crystal clear: the primary purpose of our Armed Forces is not to run around the world and do good deeds but to kill our enemies and protect and defend the United States of America. Be that as it may, nowhere else can you find a group of individuals doing more good for more people across the globe. Nowhere else can you find a group of professionals more courageous or more committed to the honorable principles to which they’ve pledged their lives.

Read the whole article.

Also, an Ohio member of the Army National Guard who was deployed to New Orleans in connection with Hurricane Katrina has started a blog, Camp Katrina that highlights stories about the humanitarian efforts of the U.S. Military in the Gulf area. They are doing great work there and I highly recommend you check out the blog, and while you are at it, send a thank you to Spc. Phil Van Treuren, Ohio Army National Guard, JAG Corps at philvant@hotmail.com.